By Kara Dietrich
Staff Writer

We are in full-blown crunch time at Bates—that time when planning dinner involves careful consideration of how to secure a computer in the library (good luck) and study groups are the best form of socialization until finals are over. Realizing we need laughter almost as much as sleep, the Student Activities Office brought acclaimed funny man Jeff Burghart to the Silo Friday night.



Burghart, who has appeared on Star Search, Comedy Central, and Premium Blend, is a self-proclaimed Uncle Eddie lookalike with a knack for celebrity impressions and zany jokes. The Texas native started off the evening doing Ozzy Osborne, walking around shouting “Sharon” and numerous incomprehensible phrases. Judging from the laughter, the audience enjoyed the surprisingly true depiction of MTV’s favorite family man.

Burghart didn’t stick to just impressions, however, to keep the crowd captivated. He joked about everything from southern rednecks to the cold Maine weather. As with most comedians, he was quick to make fun of himself. And, also like previous Bates performers, he cracked some jokes about the always present Keith Tannenbaum. He spent a lot of time talking with the crowd, asking questions and making light of various on-the-job horror stories. The real topper, or line crosser if you will, was a suggestive Pepsi commercial parody with a particularly popular Britney Spears impression.

While funny, Burghart was certainly not my favorite comic to visit Bates. A few students opted to leave early, perhaps because the show never really got off the ground. His impressions of everyone from Jack Nicolson to Arnold Schwarzenegger to Bill Cosby and even Bernie Mac were entertaining, but not necessarily side ripping. As a free distraction from academics, on the other hand, the show seemed to please the people who braved the rain to see it.

For those who missed his antics or want more laughs, Burghart has a new CD out called I Tease Because I Love which includes over an hour of live routines. You can purchase it online at his website www.jeffburghart.com.





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